Fairlead



Oct. 16, 1934. 5; J ANDERSON 1,976,708

FAIRLEAD.

.Filed Feb. 6, 1933 I 71/veW/Z07" 0'52? Ziofneys Patented Oct. 16, 1934 UNITED STATES} PATENT orsic Appli ation February 6,

12 Claims.

This invention relates to fairleads and combination fairlead and headrod holders particularly adapted for use with awnings.

It is the general object of the invention to pro? vide a novel and improved iairlead of extremely cheap and simple construction, which is adapted particularly for eifective use with awnings to permit awning cords to be run therethrough with a minimum of friction.

it is another object to provide a novel and improved .combinatio n fairleadyand awning headrod holder.

To these ends, generally stated, the invention consists in the novel parts and novel combinations of parts, hereinafter defined in the claims and described in the fol owin spe cation, made in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the various views, and, in which, V

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating devices embodying the invention operatively applied to a window frame for use with an awning, portions of the awning being broken away to more clearly show the construction of certain of the parts;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation of a combination fairlead and headrod holder of the type shown in Fig. 1; I v

Fig. 3 is a view in side elevationof this same combination fairlead and headrod holder, certain parts of a window frame and certain parts of an awning and headrod therefor being shown in vertical section, and a cord passing over the roller of the fairlead being shown in dot and dash lines in one position, and in dotted lines in another position;

Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, as indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the sheave shown in Fig. 1, and located adjacent the lower part of the window frame;

Fig. 6 is a view in front elevation illustrating a modified form of combination fairlead and headrod holder, one of the cords passing over one section of the roller being illustrated in dot and dash lines, and another cord passing over a second section of the roller being illustrated in dotted lines; and

Fig. 7 is a view in side elevation of the combi nation fairlead and headrod holder shown in Fig. 6.

Referring first to the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawing, the combination fairlead and headrod holder illustrated includes a bracket member A and a brack- 1933, Serial No. 655,340

et member B. Assuming that the fairlead and headrod holder is located as shown, the bracket member A includes a vertical portion 8, a short, outwardly extending, horizontal portion 9 joining the upper end of the portion 8, a short vertical portion 10 joining the outer end of the portion 9, another outwardly extending, horizontal portion 11 joining the upper end of the portion 10 and another vertical portion 12 joining the outer end of the portion 11 and projecting upwardly therefrom. An arm 13 projects diagonally downwardly and outwardly from the lower end of the portion 8 and this arm is preferably set at an angle of approximately 45 relative to the po tion '8. The bracket member B includes a vertical portion 14 which abuts the outer side of the vertical portion 8 of bracketA. The two portions 8 and 14 are apertured to receive screws 15 whereby the two bracket members may be attached to a suitable support such as the header of a window frame 16. The bracket member 13 also includes a horizontal portion 1'7 joining the upper end of the vertical portion 14 and projecting out wardly therefrom in abutment with the underside of the horizontal portion 9 for a short distance of its length. An arm 18 joins the outer end of the horizontal portion 17 and extends diagonally downwardly and outwardly in spaced parallel ,relation to the arm 13. This arm 18 tapers towards its outer end andhas a relatively narrow extension '19 which curves chiefly inwardly from the outer end of the arm 18, as best shown in Fig. 3.

' Extending between the two arms 13 and 18, is a roller pin 20 having reduced ends running through openings, in the two arms. 13 and 18. This roller pin is set at right angles to the two arms 13 and 18 and, accordingly, the roller pin extends at approximately a angle relative to the portion 8 of bracket member A and the outer end of the roller pin is uppermost. J ournaled on the roller pin 20 and extending between the two arms 13 and 18 is a roller 21 of peculiar shape- The upper end of this roller is of considerably greater diameter than the lower end thereof while the medial portion of the roller is of less diameter than either end of the roller. The roller is deeply concavely grooved from one endto the other for a purpose presently to appear. Central bosses or projections 21a. extend from the two ends of the roller 21 to space the ends. of the roller slightly from the two arms 13 and 18 and to reduce the friction between the ends of the roller and the arms. The extension 19 overlies the upper part of the outer portion of the roller 21 and corresponds in curvature to the roller. This extension is, disposed in closely spaced relation from the portion of the roller adjacent thereto. Joining the lower end of the vertical portion 19 of the bracket member B and projecting first somewhat forwardly, and then somewhat downwardly therefrom is a bulged portion or apron 22 which is notched to receive the lower part of the roller 21 and to straddle a portion thereof.

The three portions ll, 10 and 1'? of the two bracket members A and B, form a channel or seat within which an awning headrod 23 may be disposed and the headrod may be clamped in place within this seat by means of an arm 24 secured to the portion 12 by means of a bolt 25 and wing nut 26. square head which will engage the portion 11 to prevent the bolt from turning as the wing nut 26 is tightened or loosened.

In Fig. 1, two of the combination fairlead and headrod holders, above described, are shown operatively applied to a window frame 16 provided in a wall 27. These two devices are mounted on the header of the window frame and together they support the headrod 23 running through a pocket in the upper end of an awning 28. This awning is attached near its lower end to a bow 29 pivotally connected at its endsto brackets 30 secured'to the sides of the frame 16. One awning cord 31, as the left cord illustrated, is attached to the bow 29 at its lower end and then runs up over the roller 21 of the left hand fairlead, whereupon it runs over the roller 21 of the right hand fairlead and thence downwardly. The other or right hand cord 31 is attached at its lower end to the bow 29 and thence runs upwardly overthe roller 21 of the right hand fairlead and thereupon the said cord runs downwardly. Preferably there is secured to the window frame near the lower end of one side, a sheave 32. This sheave consists of a bracket 32a having opposing upstruck wings within which a roller 32?) is Journaled. The bracket 32a includes a connecting portion running between the wings supporting theroller and behind the roller quite a large opening 32c is provided in the connecting portion of thebracket. The two cords 31 run over the roller 32b of the sheave 32,- whereupon they extend through the opening 320 and thence through a suitablybored opening provided in the window frame 16 to the otherside of the wall 27. It will be seen that the awning can be raisedor lowered-from' inside the building to which the awning is applied. p

When the awning is in lowered position, each awning cord 31 running over the rollers 21 ofthe fairleads, will take approximately the position shown by the dot and dash lines, Fig. 3. In this position, the apron 22 guards the cord to prevent the same from running over the lower end edge of the roller 21. As the awning is raised, the

v angle that the portion of the cord 31 running from the bow 29 makes with the longitudinal central axis of the roller 21 changes and as this takes place, the cord, by reason of the peculiar shape of the roller 21 and the inclination thereof, will ride upwardly on the roller from the dot and dash line position shown in Fig. 3 to the dotted line position shown. This shifting ofposition of the portion of the cord running overthe roller may readily take place without causing the cord to bind on the roller or to run over the end edges of the same. As the awning is raised, the extensions 19 at the ends of the arms 18 prevent portions of the awning 28 from striking the rollers 21 and interfering with the action of the same The roller 21 of the fairlead will, accordingly, rotate The bolt 25 is preferably provided with a' with the utmost freedom at all times. The headrod 23 for the awning may be readily attached or detached from the combination fairlead and headrod holders.

In Figs. 6 and 7, a slightly difierent type of fairlead and headrod holder is illustrated. In this device a bracket member C is provided having a vertical portion 33 adapted to be secured as by screws to a support. A horizontal portion 34 projects outwardly from the lower end of the vertical portion 33 and projecting rearwardly and upwardly and then forwardly and outwardly from the forward end of this horizontal portion is an arm 35, the upper and outer portion of which is set at an angle of approximately 45 relative to the portion 33. Struck up from the lower part of the vertical portion 33 and also from the portion' 34 of the bracket member C is an arm 35 disposed parallel to the upper and outer portion of the arm 35, but in spaced relation below the same. Aroller pin 37 similar to the roller pin 20- extends between and is mounted for rotation in the arm 36 and in the upper and outer portion of the arm 35. J ournaled on this pin 37 is a roller 38 grooved and shaped similar to'the roller 21 but composed of three independent sections 38a, 38b and 380. The upper end of the portion 33 has joined thereto a downwardly and outwardly extending curved portion 39 which forms a seat for a head rod 49. A bolt 41 is mounted in the portion 39 and projects diagonally, outwardly and upwardly therefrom and an angular clamping member 42 is secured by a wing nut 43 on the bolt 41, to clamp the headrod 40 tightly in place against the seat formed by the portion 39. It should be noted that arm 35 adjacent its lower end is notched to receive the section 3801. of the roller 38 and to straddle the same. This lower portion of the arm 35, therefore, actsas an apron much in the same manner as the portion 22 of the bracket member B of the previously described construction.

In use a cord may be run .overtheroller 38 in the same manner as before described in connection with the roller 21. If desired, however, two cords such as the cord 44 illustrated by'dot and dash lines in Fig. 6 and the cord 45 illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 6 may be run over the same roller 38 and the diverging portions of these cords may be attached as to the bow of an awning. The adjacent portions of these two cords 44 and 45 may be simultaneously pulledto cause the two cords to move over the roller 38 in opposite directions and thereby raise the awning. As this occurs the lowermost cord 44 will work-over the section 38a of the roller 33 until the awning operated by cords has been raised for some little distance and similarly the upper cord 45 will work over the section 38b ofthe roller until the awning has been raised for some little distance. These two sections 38a and 3812 will, of course, turn in opposite directions. When the awning has been raised to a certain height, the two cords 44 and 45 will shift upwardly on the roller 38 and the cord 44 will then move overthe section 38b, While the cord 45 will move over the section 330. The sections 38?) and 38c will then revolve in opposite directions. With the construction shown in Figs. 6 and 7, only a single fairlead need be provided for use in operating a single awning.

It will be obvious that, if desired, a roller 21 of the type shown in Figs. 2,. 3 and 4 may be substituted for the roller 38. mounted in the bracket member C. It will also be obvious that a sectional roller similar to the roller 38 and shown in Figs. 6 and 7 may be used in connection with the two bracket members .A and B in place of the roller 21.

Although the fairleads of the present invention are particularly adapted for use in connection 'with the raising and lowering of awnings, it will understood that they may be used in many other connections. The devices of the invention are cheap and simple in construction. They have een successfully demonstrated in actual practice.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is 1- l. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion connecting said arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, a roller extending between and mounted for rotation in said arms, said roller being concavely grooved and said groove extending from adjacent one end of the roller to the other so that the bight of a cord passed partly the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within certain limits without running off the ends of the roller and always engage an element oi on the grooved portion of the roller normal to the bisector of the angle between the rpective outwardly extending portions, of the card as said angle varies, and an apron connected to said bracket and straddling one portion of the roller adjacent one end of the same and acting as a guide for a cord passing over said vroller the-" hy permitting the cord to work over the grooved part of the roller facing said connecting portion without being cut or injured between the end of the roller straddled by said apron and the one of said arms within which said end is mounted.

2. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion con-- necting said arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, a roller extending between and mounted for rotation in said arms, roller being concavely grooved and said groove extending from adjacent one end of the roller to the other so that the bight of a cord passed partly around the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within certain limits without running off the ends of the roller and always engage an element of area on the grooved portion of roller normal to the bisector of the angle between the respective outwardly extending portions of the cord as said angle varies, one of said outwardly from said roller having an extenslon of comparatively narrow width relative to the roller, said extension projecting toward the medial portion of the roller in closely spaced relation with the surface of said roller which defines said groove to prevent objects from engaging the roller at its outer side to interfere with free rotation thereof.

3. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion adapted to be secured to a support, said arms being diagonally inclined downwardly relative to the vertical, a roller extending between and rotatably mounted in said arms with its axis diagonally inclined relative to the horizontal, said roller having an upper end of considerably greater diameter than the lower end and said roller being concavely grooved from adjacent one end to the other so that the bight of a cord passed partly around the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within certain limits without running off the ends of theroller and a wa s en a e an element of a ea on the rooved porti n oi he oll; er normal to the bisector of the angle between the respective outwardly extending portions or" the cord as said angle varies, whereby the angle that a portion of a cord running over said roller makes with the longitudinal axis of said roller may be varied considerablyto cause shifting move.- ment of the cord longitudinally of the roller with.- out causing the cord to bind on the roller or run over end edges of the same.

4. The structure defined in claim 3, the uppermost arm of said bracket having an extension disposed outwardly from the upper portion of the surface of said roller which'defines said groove closely spaced relationship therefrom, said extension being of comparatively narrow width relative to the width of the roller.

5. A iairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion adapted to be secured to a u por said arms being an asoually incl ned r lative t t v ti al, a r e extending between and rotatably mounted in said arms with its axis diagonally inclined relative to the horizontal, said roller having one end of considerably greater diameter thanthe other end and said roller being concavely grooved from adjacent one end to the other, the end of smaller diameter being disposed lowermost, so that the bight of a cor passed partly around the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within cer tain limits without running off the ends of the roller and always engage an element of area on the groovedportion of the roller normal to the bisectgr of the angle between the respective outwardly extending portions of the cord as said angle varies, said bracket including an apron straddling a portion of said roller adjacent its lower end and forming a guide for a cord running over the roller to prevent the cord from being caught between the lower end of the roller and the arm adjacent thereto.

6. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion connecting said arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, a roller extending between and mounted for rotation in said arms, said roller being concavely grooved, said groove extending from adjacent one end of the roller to the other, said roller being divided by spaced planes taken at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the roller into a plurality of sections, any two of which may be rotated in opposite directions simultaneously.

7. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a substantially vertical portion, an arm projecting downwardly and outwardly therefrom, another arm connected to said vertical portion and disposed above said first arm in spaced parallel relation therefrom, a roller rotatably mounted in said two arms with its axis diagonally inclined with respect to the horizontal, said roller being concavely grooved from adjacent one end of the same to the other so that the bight of a cord passed partly around the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within certain limits without running off the ends of the roller and always engage an element of area on the grooved portion of the roller normal to the bisector of the angle between the respective outwardly extending portions of the cord as said angle varies, said bracket above said roller having a rod seat formed therein and clamping means connected to said bracket for clamping an awning head rod in said seat.

8. A fairlead comprising a' bracket'having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portionconnecting said arms, saidbracket being adapted to e secured to a support, an axleextending between said arms, a roller divided longitudinally into a plurality of. annular sections, said sections being so mounted on said axle as to permit rotation of each section independentlyv of the others, the peripheries of the respective ones of said sections being shaped for cooperation with each other to form a concave annular groove extending from adjacent one end to the other of said roller so that the bight of a cord passed partly around the roller may shift longitudinally of the roller within certain limits without running oil the ends of the roller and always engage an element of area on the grooved portion of the roller normal to the bisector of the angle between the respective outwardly extending portions of the cord as said angle varies, whereby any two of said sections may be simultaneously rotated in'opposite directions and adjoining portions of the respective peripheries of adjacent sections are substantially flush.

9. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion connecting said arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, a roller extending between and mounted for'rotation in said arms and an apron connected to said bracket and straddling one portion of said roller-adjacent one end of the same and acting as a guideffor a cord passing over said-roller thereby permitting said cord to work over the length of the side of said roller facing said connecting portion without being cut or injured between the end of said roller straddled bysaid apron and the one of said arms within which said end is mounted.

10. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion connecting said'arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, a roller extending between and mounted for rotation in said arms and an apron connected to said bracket and straddling one portion of said roller adjacent one end of the same to act as a guide for a cord passing over said roller and curving away from the end of said roller straddled by said apron thereby permitting said cord to work over the l ngth of the side of said roller facing said connecting portion without being cut or injured between the end of said roller straddled by said apron and the one of said arms within which said end is mounted.

11. A fairlead comprising a bracket having a pair of spaced parallel arms and a portion connecting said arms, said bracket being adapted to be secured to a support, and a roller extending between and mounted for rotation in said arms, one of said arms outwardly from said roller having an extension of comparatively narrow width relative to said roller, said extension projecting fromsaid one of the arms toward the other adjacent the outwardly facing side of said roller.

l2. The structure defined in claim 3, the uppermost arm'of said bracket having an extension disposed outwardly from the upper end portion of said roller projecting toward the lowermost of said arms adjacent the outwardly facing side of said roller.

SIGFRED J. ANDERSON.

its 

